Forklift safety in a warehouse setting

by | Mar 15, 2017 | Firm News |

Thousands upon thousands of people in the United States work in a warehouse setting. While many of these people enjoy their job, some don’t realize the risks associated with their line of work.

According to OSHA, approximately 95,000 people are injured every year in forklift accidents. Along with this, roughly 100 people are killed. While this data encompasses accidents across all industries, warehouses can be extremely dangerous.

Here are some of the top forklift safety tips for warehouse and employers:

— All operators should be trained and certified to use the equipment.

— Nobody under the age of 18 should operate a forklift.

— Forklifts require regular maintenance in order to operate at peak performance.

— Always follow safety procedures when stacking, picking up, and putting down loads.

— The operator should always wear a seatbelt.

— When a forklift is in use, other employees should keep their distance.

— Remove any debris from the floor that could cause an accident.

— Install guardrails to prevent accidents associated with ditches, pits and tanks.

— Maintain safe clearances, such as those associated with loading docks or aisles.

There is no denying the fact that the use of forklifts can improve the efficiency of any warehouse operation. Unfortunately, this also improves the likelihood of a serious accident.

If you’re injured in a warehouse accident, such as one caused by a forklift, it’s important to receive immediate medical attention. Along with this, report the accident to your employer and then learn more about your legal rights and options for receiving .

Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “Worker Safety Series: Warehousing,” accessed March 15, 2017

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